After you apply for a residence permit in Spain, you will receive a physical identity card. This guide explains how the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero works and how to manage it.
What is the TIE?
The official name for this card is the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (foreigner identity card, or TIE). It is a physical, plastic card with your photo and fingerprint.
The TIE is issued to non-EU citizens who reside legally in Spain for more than 6 months. It serves as your official national identity document in Spain.
You must carry your TIE card with you. You must show it to police officers, banks, and public offices when requested.
Validity of the TIE card
Your TIE card has the same validity as your residence permit. If you have a 1-year visa, your card is valid for 1 year.
If you get permanent residency, your TIE card is valid for 5 years. You must renew the physical card every 5 years.
Your residency remains valid even if your card expires, provided you submit your renewal application on time.
How to Renew Your Residence Permit in Spain
NIE versus TIE: What is the difference?
Many expats confuse the NIE and the TIE. They are distinct concepts in the Spanish administration.
The Número de Identidad de Extranjero (foreigner identity number, or NIE) is a unique tax and identification number. It consists of a letter, seven numbers, and another letter.
Your NIE stays with you forever. It does not expire, and it does not prove your legal residency.
The TIE is the physical plastic card that proves your residency. Your NIE number is printed on the front of your TIE card.
Unlike your NIE, the TIE card expires. You must renew the physical card when your residence permit expires or needs renewal.
Information printed on the TIE card
Your TIE card contains key personal and legal details. You should check these details when you collect your card.
The front of the card displays your full name, date of birth, and nationality. It also shows your NIE number and your physical photo.
The back of the card shows the type of residence permit you hold. It also lists the expiration date of your card and whether you are allowed to work.
Finally, the card contains your place of birth and your current registered home address in Spain.
How to get your first TIE card
You must apply for your TIE card within 30 days of registering with social security or entering Spain.
First, you must register your address at the Ayuntamiento (city hall). This address registration is called the empadronamiento.
Second, you must book an appointment at a local police station in Madrid. This appointment type is called toma de huellas (fingerprinting).
Finally, you must pay the card tax using the form Modelo 790 Código 012 (card fee form 790 code 012).
How to Apply for a Spanish Residence Permit (TIE)
What to do if you lose your TIE card
If your TIE card is lost or stolen, you must obtain a duplicate. This duplicate is called a duplicado.
First, you must report the loss or theft to the police immediately. The police will issue an official denuncia (police report).
Next, you must book a fingerprinting appointment at a police station. Select the option for duplicate cards on the booking portal.
You must pay the card fee again. Use the form Modelo 790 Código 012. The fee for a duplicate is €16.08.
You must bring your passport, the police report, the fee receipt, and two passport photos to the police station.
Damaged TIE cards
You must also request a duplicate if your TIE card is damaged. If the text is unreadable or the chip is broken, you need a new card.
You do not need to file a police report for a damaged card. You must bring the damaged physical card to your police appointment.
How to change your address on your TIE card
You must update your address with the police if you move to a new home in Spain. You should do this within 30 days.
First, you must update your address registration. Go to your local city office to get a new empadronamiento certificate.
Next, book an appointment at the police station. Bring your new certificate, your old TIE, your passport, and the form Modelo EX-17 (application form EX-17).
You must pay the card fee using form Modelo 790 Código 012. The police will issue a new TIE showing your updated address.
The empadronamiento: How to register your address in Madrid
Questions and answers
Can I use my TIE card to travel in the EU?
Yes. Your TIE card allows you to travel to Schengen Zone countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You must carry your passport with you.
Is the TIE card the same as a visa?
No. A visa is a sticker in your passport that allows you to enter Spain. The TIE is the card that proves your local residency once you are in Spain.
What happens if I do not collect my TIE card?
The police will destroy it. You must collect your physical TIE card within 3 months of your fingerprinting appointment. If you do not collect it, they will archive and destroy it.
Do I need a new TIE card if my visa changes?
Yes. If your residence status changes, you must apply for a new card. The new card will show your new permit type and validity date.
Can I show a photo of my TIE on my phone to the police?
No. You must show the original physical TIE card. A photo on your phone is not accepted as official identification by Spanish authorities.
